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Tomas Bodin

Interviewed by Josh Turner
Interview with Tomas Bodin from 2005
MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2005 Year Book Volume 4 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2005.


How has the current tour been going?
Well just great! We had some very nice crowds and we played in very nice venues.
MSJ: I'm really excited about the new album that's coming out. Is "I A M" a concept album? What are you doing differently in this one?
What people will notice is of course that I work with lyrics. I have tried to compose a "full" prog album and not only another keyboard solo album. I have put down more energy on the vocals and the guitars.
MSJ: Are there any plans to play this music live in the near future?
Hopefully yes! I have already requests in both Europe and USA. The band is named "I A M"e fans have been totally insane. It's been awesome.
MSJ: Out of all the songs you've created, what is your favorite one? Which one makes you the most proud?
It's hard to say but of course I feel that some parts hit you better in the heart. "The Prayer" is one such part or "Day by day".
MSJ: There are unique musicians out there, but nobody can touch you in the creativity department. You really are something special. Once you touch a piece of music, it's like you open it up to a whole new world. Can you describe your songwriting process? How did you come up with all these melodies and layers? What do you do to transform the music in this way?
I would say I'm very much an emotional kind of musician. I guess everything is passed through my heart a couple of times. I believe that the melody is already out there. Just catch it and follow it. This won't work if you already have a full picture in your head. Every melody will give you new pictures. So clear your mind and go.
MSJ: What's planned next for The Flower Kings as far as what we can expect from the studio?
We will go into the studio in November for a release in early 2006. That's all I know right now.
MSJ: What other side projects do you have in mind for yourself?
I will continue to work with my trilogy project. "I A M, You Are and He She It Is". Also I will help Moonsafari with their new album. I'll start to mix it next week.
MSJ: Is there anybody in particular that you would like to work with who you haven't already?
There is always a joy in meeting new people to work with. But I don't have any"fame cravings" from an artistic point of view. Still, it would be nice to meet some people like John Lennon.
MSJ: It's obvious your roots go back to progressive rock, but I can't come up with a specific comparison. I suspect you were influenced by Kansas and Yes. Is this true? Can you tell me a little bit about some of your musical influences?
My influences are a mix between classical music, Pink Floyd, Yes, and Beatles. It all depends on what part of the music you analyze. If you look upon a melody, my roots come from Beatles and classical music. The form/arrangements are influenced by Pink Floyd and Yes. Some rhythmic parts are influenced by King Crimson.
MSJ: Your style and skill could only come from a seasoned veteran. It would also seem like you've had some formal and classical training. How did you get into music in the first place? When did this all begin?
I started to play the piano when I was 4 years old. The music and the composing parts came to be a resort for my soul. I have been taking classical lessons but I would never consider myself as a classical pianist. They have to practice 8-12 hours/day which I never do. I would say that my best side is the composition.
MSJ: How did you decide that you wanted to be a keyboardist in a progressive rock band?
I guess that was not a decision. It was more coincidently. Roine was my friend and he formed a band that played prog rock. But I must say that it suited me well.
MSJ: How did you meet you the other members who worked with you on I Am?
Anders and Jocke are both old friends to my wife. She introduced them to me a couple of years ago.
MSJ: What's the last concert that you attended as a fan?
Peter Gabriel's last tour! I highly respect that guy!
MSJ: What is your favorite album of all-time? Is there any CD or tape for that matter that you've worn out?
Prokofiev´s 5th Symphony together with D. Schotakowich 10th.
MSJ: Let's talk about some favorites that aren't necessarily related to music. What is your favorite movie?
I love movies. I can eat them! "A Beautiful mind" is one great movie.
MSJ: What's your favorite TV show?
I think TV mostly is so full with sh*t like "The Swan", "Extreme makeover" and other reality shows. I guess the news is my favorite show!
MSJ: Do you have a favorite book?
Yes, I read a lot. Right now I've been reading a couple of books by Karen Armstrong. Respect!
MSJ: I like to ask this kooky question, because I can identify with it. Do you have any pets?
Ha ha ha! Yes I love animals…. I have a huge dog named Outi and a cat named Ossy. But I guess I have had almost everything. Sometimes my house has been like a f-k zoo!
MSJ: Before we wrap up, is there anything you'd like to say to your fans at this time?
Thanks for your big support and help spreading the word!
 
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